J Michael Matkin

J. Michael Matkin, born in 1942, has had a distinguished career in British Columbia, Canada. He holds degrees in law and economics from the University of Alberta and Harvard Law School. His early career included serving as a law clerk to a Supreme Court of Canada Justice and as an assistant law professor at the University of British Columbia. He played a significant role in shaping provincial legislation, notably leading the drafting of the Labour Code of B.C. in 1973 and the province's first human rights code. Matkin also contributed to national constitutional discussions, influencing the inclusion of a compromise clause similar to the Notwithstanding Clause in the Canadian Constitution. Later, he held executive positions, including Deputy Minister of Labour and Intergovernmental Relations, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia, and Executive Director of the BC Law Society. He also headed a commission that investigated and reported on the Vancouver Stock Exchange, leading to reforms. In his more recent years, Matkin has become a prolific writer on climatology and carbon emissions, expressing views on climate change denial.

J. Michael Matkin's career has been marked by significant contributions to public service and legislative reform in British Columbia. He was instrumental in drafting the province's foundational Labour Code in 1973 and was involved in the creation of its initial human rights code. His expertise extended to national constitutional matters, where he is credited with proposing a compromise that influenced the inclusion of a clause akin to the Notwithstanding Clause in the Canadian Constitution and Charter of Rights. Matkin also served in high-level administrative roles, including Deputy Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Relations, where he was recognized for his dedicated public service. His work in these capacities shaped key aspects of British Columbia's legal and governmental frameworks.

Beyond his legislative work, Matkin undertook significant efforts to reform financial markets. He led a commission that investigated the Vancouver Stock Exchange, issuing a report that characterized it as a 'breeding ground for swindles' and led to substantial changes, including its eventual merger and integration into the Toronto Stock Exchange. Matkin also served as President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia and was a director of the Bank of Canada. His tenure as Executive Director of the BC Law Society concluded with his resignation in 2004, following questions about his association with a junior company linked to individuals previously involved in stock-related offenses. While denying any impropriety, the situation highlighted discussions around ethical standards for senior legal professionals.

In his later career, J. Michael Matkin has focused on producing opinion pieces and self-published articles concerning climatology and carbon emissions, primarily shared via platforms like Academia.edu. He identifies himself as a 'most viewed writer' in this field on Quora. His writings often express skepticism regarding mainstream climate change science, articulating positions associated with climate change denial and the belief in a global warming conspiracy theory. Matkin frequently criticizes political and economic initiatives aimed at addressing anthropogenic climate change, attributing such efforts to the political left. His contributions in this area often involve republishing articles by other climate change deniers and adding his own commentary.

“Mr. Matkin has performed long and in a most dedicated fashion, under two different administrations, always in the interests of the general public of our province. He's been a dedicated public servant.”

“Matkin denied any improper conduct. He argued that [alleged offenders] Gujral and Alexander had learned from their mistakes and deserved a second chance. He also said he sought and obtained assurances that Alexander would not promote the company's shares, only the technology.”

“There has never been any suggestion that Matkin did anything illegal. The issue is simply whether it was appropriate for him to be dealing with a company associated with Gujral and Alexander.”

“I dare say it would have assisted all to know whether the Executive Director, given the leadership role inherent in this position, is expected to meet an elevated ethical standard, and if so, what that standard entails .... [T]his [resignation] represents the loss of an important opportunity for the Benchers to articulate, for the profession generally and for the previous and next incumbent, the standards expected of the individual appointed to this key position in the organization.”